Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Rwanda has been selected in the Travel + Leisure 2020 'It List' of Best New Hotels in the World.

Photos courtesy of Singita.

A tribute to mountain gorillas

The lodge, named after a legendary silverback gorilla, is set on 72 hectares and shares a 1.2km border with the Volcanoes National Park. Opened in August last year, it's the only lodge in such close proximity to the Park, home to around half of the world's endangered mountain gorillas.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge and the adjacent Kataza House – an exclusive-use villa – reflect Rwanda's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The creative inspiration provided by the magnificent 'gentle giants of the forest' – as shown to the world by primatologist Dian Fossey – translates to an African experience that is both authentic and sophisticated.

Development underpinned by sustainability

Breathtaking natural surroundings are integrated into the entire guest experience at Kwitonda Lodge, with large picture windows overlooking three volcanoes, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, private heated plunge pools and in-room massage beds. As with every one of Singita's 15 lodges and camps in Africa, sustainability underpins all operations in Rwanda. It was also a key driving force in the design and development of Kwitonda and Kataza House.

Kwitonda's farm-to-table food journey celebrates Rwandan cuisine and features fresh produce from the lodge's on-site Akarabo Garden and Nursery.

Rehabilitation of land for wildlife protection

The nursery has also provided approximately 250,000 indigenous forest shrubs, bamboo shoots and trees for Singita's extensive reforestation initiative in the area. In the longer term, reforestation and rehabilitation of the land surrounding the lodge will aim to increase the natural habitat of mountain gorillas in the Park.

Singita Founder and Executive Chairman, Luke Bailes, said that Rwanda was a beautiful country with a remarkable conservation success story. "Contributing to the country's enormous conservation efforts is both a privilege and a serious responsibility," he said.

The company's presence in Rwanda supported its 100-year purpose to preserve and protect large areas of African wilderness for future generations.

Rwanda attracting travellers

Post-conflict Rwanda has earned awards for its leadership in tourism and economic competitiveness from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Economic Forum respectively.

Rwanda is now considered by some to be Africa's safest country, with the capital, Kigali, having one of the lowest crime rates of any African city.

Back in Volcanoes National Park, there is plenty of other wildlife to be seen apart from the famed gorillas including the golden monkey, forest elephant, buffalo, black-fronted duikers, bushbucks, bush pigs, spotted hyenas, colobus monkeys and baboons.

Useful links

​singita.com

visitrwanda.com